IBM i Modernization Readiness Assessment Assess IBM i Environment Modernization Readiness Designed for IT leaders, stakeholders, and SMEs managing IBM i environments, this 16-question framework evaluates modernization readiness, uncovers gaps, and guides next steps. We respect your privacy. Your details will be used only to share insights and follow up on your IBM i modernization readiness. See our Privacy Policy for details. Application Landscape & Code Quality Q1. Which of the following apply to your IBM i application environment? (Select all that apply) Still uses green-screen (5250) interfaces Legacy RPG code (fixed-format RPG II/III/IV) is common COBOL or Synon (CA 2E) applications are still in use Some apps lack complete or updated documentation Contains orphaned or unused code Business logic is hard to locate or maintain Application Landscape & Code Quality Q2. Can IBM i business logic be accessed by other platforms (via APIs or modular components)? (Lack of API-accessible business logic typically delays new digital initiatives by 6–12 months.) Yes No Not Sure None Application Landscape & Code Quality Q3. Would modularization or refactoring improve performance or maintainability? Yes No Not sure None Integration & Interoperability Q4. How does your IBM i environment integrate with other systems? (Select all that apply) REST APIs are used Messaging platforms (e.g., Kafka, MQ) are in use Connects to cloud-based CRMs/ERPs Integration depends on manual data exchange No external integrations currently exist Integration & Interoperability Q5. Are unit tests implemented during development or change processes? (Teams without automated testing experience higher defect rates and slower release cycles during modernization.) Yes No Not Sure None Infrastructure & Security Q6. What best describes your IBM i infrastructure? Less than 5 years old, running IBM i 7.3+ or newer Older than 5 years and/or OS version < 7.3 Not sure None Infrastructure & Security Q7. Which of the following apply? (Select all that apply) (Over-privileged access increases security exposure and complicates audits, especially during modernization.) Virtualization (PowerVM, PowerHA, etc.) is in use Disaster recovery tested within the past year *ALLOBJ or *SECOFR authority is still widely used None of the above User Experience & Interface Q8. How do most users interact with IBM i? (Select one) Command line / green screens Modern UI tools (e.g., LANSA, Profound.js) Through customer/vendor-facing portals Mix of the above User Experience & Interface Q9. Are workarounds (Excel, email, etc.) commonly used to bypass IBM i limitations? (Frequent Excel or email workarounds indicate lost productivity and hidden operational risk.) Frequently Occasionally Rarely/Never None Team & Skills Q10. Which of the following apply to your IBM i team? (Select all that apply) (Modernization efforts often stall when system knowledge is concentrated in a small number of individuals.) 2 or fewer people manage the system Key developers are near retirement or planning to exit Formal knowledge transfer plan exists Team uses modern tools (Git, CI/CD pipelines, VS Code, etc.) Team & Skills Q11. How long does your team plan to continue with IBM i? (Select one) 5+ years 10+ years Undecided / No roadmap None Business Alignment & Roadmap Q12. Has IBM i modernization been identified as a business priority? Yes No Not sure None Business Alignment & Roadmap Q13. Have modernization plans (audit, roadmap, budget) been defined? (Select all that apply) Included in IT roadmap or budget Application assessment/audit done in last 2 years Legacy code causing delays in innovation or business agility Clear platform evolution roadmap exists Database Design & Maintainability Q14. Are DDS-based physical files still widely used across core tables? (Legacy DDS-based schemas limit database flexibility and slow integration with modern applications.) Yes No Not sure None Database Design & Maintainability Q15. Are identity columns commonly used in the database schema? Yes No Not sure None Database Design & Maintainability Q16. Do schema changes (e.g., column expansions) require significant development effort? Yes No Not Sure None Prepare Your Results: Share Your Context Provide a few quick details to see your score and recommended next steps. Full Name* Phone Number Business Email* Job Title Company Name* Would you like a detailed modernization roadmap from our IBM i experts? Yes. please contact me Maybe later No. just show me my score Time's up
